Smolov was a Russian, in his early forties, and he and his team were employed by Mario Kuyit, specifically responsible for piloting and operating the Kuyit destroyer.
Although the ship was old, Russian-made items were inherently robust and durable. After falling into Mario Kuyit's hands, it underwent extensive modernization.
Furthermore, the ship's weapon systems were significantly altered. Most of the missiles and similar armaments were removed and replaced with several large-caliber cannons.
After all, the magnetic field situation around Hell Paradise Island was complex, and radio waves were severely interfered with, making radar and missiles unable to function properly.
Even with very primitive guidance methods like inertial guidance, the missile hit rate was extremely disappointing, so it was better to use cannons with optical aiming.
Recently, he received a mission to drive away ships near Hell Paradise Island and prohibit them from approaching within 30 nautical miles of the island.
His work was quite effective. Seeing the battleship-like cannons on the ship, other vessels had to stay away from Hell Paradise Island.
As most ships found it difficult to stay in the deep ocean for extended periods, they eventually left. By now, only the Oriental Princess freighter remained in the vicinity of the island.
This ship was very large and had special anchors for mooring in deep water. Most importantly, this large ship had enough supplies to stay anchored for such a long time.
Moreover, the Oriental Princess was much wider than the Kuyit, which meant it had better resistance to wind and waves and was more stable on the sea.
More importantly, their endurance far surpassed that of the ships around Hell Paradise Island. The Kuyit even often had to spend daytime hours to return for fuel and food resupply, and then rush back.
Initially, Smolov stayed on the bridge every day, constantly monitoring the Oriental Princess's movements. But later, he simply gave up, letting his subordinates keep watch while he hid in his cabin drinking.
Today, the sun was shining brightly. Smolov was hiding in his room, with a glass, a bottle of vodka, and a plate of pickles, enjoying himself immensely. Just then, a crew member burst in.
"Captain, that Chinese ship is showing some unusual activity!"
"What!"
Smolov instantly sobered up. For Russians, drinking was as common as drinking water. Even if they were drunk, it wouldn't affect their work. For Russians, let alone sailing a ship, there were instances of flying fighter jets while drunk.
So, Smolov quickly ran back to the cockpit. At this moment, the ship's first mate was observing through binoculars and giving orders to the crew.
"What's going on? What are those Chinese up to!" Smolov asked with great displeasure. Anyone would be unhappy if their drinking pleasure was interrupted.
"Captain, those Chinese are about 20 kilometers away in our northeast direction. They suddenly accelerated, trying to enter the waterway to Hell Paradise Island from that direction...
We have issued a warning on the international common channel to stop them, but they are still ignoring us!"
"Adjust course, go intercept them!"
"However, their speed is now as high as 25 knots, even slightly higher than our maximum speed!" the first mate said helplessly!
"Cut in front of them and intercept them. You can fire a warning shot!"
"Yes, Captain!"
At this moment, more than 20 kilometers away, on the Oriental Princess, Dongfang Yunying, Xuanyuan Jie, and others were also in the cockpit.
However, the ship's actual cockpit was not on the bridge but inside the cabin, within the integrated combat command center.
The walls of the command center were lined with large screens, constantly transmitting the surrounding situation.
Modern warships do not have their combat command centers on the bridge, as the bridge is very vulnerable and conspicuous, easily targeted.
If the combat command center were on the bridge, it would be very easy for the enemy to take them out in one go. A single shell or missile hitting the bridge could cripple the entire ship.
"Heading: Northeast 75 degrees
Speed: 25 knots
Distance to enemy ship: 32.2 kilometers..."
The operator continuously reported the ship's status to Captain Dongfang Yunying.
Suddenly, they saw the Kuyit destroyer also start its engines, turn its bow, and head in their direction. It looked like they were trying to stop them!
"Captain, they've sent a communication, telling us to stop advancing and leave the waters of Hell Paradise Island!" a crew member shouted.
"Ignore them, continue forward!" Dongfang Yunying responded calmly.
"Captain, they are saying on the international common channel that if we don't leave, they will open fire!"
"Captain, there's activity on their ship, look quickly, their turrets have moved!
Their turrets seem to be locked onto our ship!"
As soon as this was said, the entire cockpit fell into a panic.
"It's alright, everyone, don't worry. The distance between us and them is currently outside their artillery range, so there's no need to worry at all.
Someone, full speed ahead!"
Dongfang Yunying gave the order. The Oriental Princess's engines roared to life, and almost instantly, its speed increased significantly. Their speed had now reached 30 knots!
Just then, a rumbling sound suddenly came from afar. Three shells flew directly towards the Oriental Princess!
One of the shells landed in the water more than 100 meters away from the Oriental Princess, creating a huge surge that even caused the Oriental Princess to shake violently!
At this moment, everyone on the Oriental Princess had grim expressions, especially Dongfang Yunying. She had just said there was no need to worry, and then the shell came, which was a direct slap in her face.
Smolov on the opposite side was very pleased. He stood on the bridge and saw the landing spot of the shells without binoculars.
Their ship's cannons had been specially modified, and their performance far exceeded that of ordinary naval guns.
The gunners on the Kuyit were also battle-hardened, hired at great expense, and their combat skills were extremely high.
Seeing the smug expression on Smolov's face, the first mate beside him quickly said, "Captain, you are truly brilliant. That shot just now must have terrified them!
Why don't we strike first and take out their ship!"
Smolov did not speak but fell into thought.
"What you say has merit, but we should do this more strategically. Let them in, let them get closer to Hell Paradise Island!"